Ever since the movie “Pitch Perfect” came out, a cappella fever
has been sweeping the nation. Varsity Vocals, an organization that hosts
the annual International Championship of High School A Cappella, has seen
an explosion of growth with over 150 groups participating from eight
regions nationwide for their title. And what high school singer wouldn’t
want to participate in a group that makes performing look so fun and
effortless?
The concept of a cappella is cool: making beautiful music without using
instruments. Singers create sound using only vocalizations, which seems
easy and effortless, but is actually neither. A cappella performed well
requires hours of focused work and repetition. The primary goal of a
cappella is working together. However, singing a cappella is not going to
be a match for every high school singer and parents may want to understand
why.
Selecting appropriate voices for an a cappella group is challenging for the
musical director. You have to have a variety of voices to create a range of
sound. While some may wish to participate in a cappella because they want
to, the best possible vocal blend is less about what individuals want and
more about what the group requires. Voices can be broken down into six
parts: soprano, mezzo soprano, alto, tenor, baritone and bass. Each group
also has at least one vocal percussionist, sometimes more.
Think of the voice as an instrument you learn to play, similar to the way an instrumentalist contributes to a band or orchestra. Directors are not looking for divas; they are looking for team players.
Reality television shows that spotlight the discovery of pop stars don’t do
a cappella directors any favors. Students who try to imitate this type of
singing in hopes that it will pay off at high school a cappella auditions
are often in for disappointment. Spotlight seekers are the last type of
person any cooperation-focused group needs. Soloists are ultimately
selected from the ranks of more seasoned group members and new members
should be prepared to pay their dues.
What are some unexpected skills necessary for a cappella success? Listening
is one. Paying attention to the other vocal parts while singing is crucial.
The success of the group is never all about any one performer. Each singer
must be in the moment, totally committed to shaping the sound for the
audience, knowing when their part comes in and goes out, blending with the
other voices, remembering song dynamics and when to crescendo or
decrescendo.
Elementary school choir is a good place to gauge a student’s interest in
group signing. Starting in middle school, those who hope to sing high
school a cappella should commit to weekly voice lessons, regular sight
reading practice and work on their ability to harmonize. These skills pay
off in the high school a cappella audition, as well as in any type of choir
or musical theater audition. Singers who do not possess these skills are
easily eliminated from consideration.
Other important qualities for high school a cappella include a track record
of demonstrated character and an ability to get along with others. A
cappella singers represent their schools in public and are expected to keep
their grades up. Participating in a cappella can help high schoolers learn
responsibility because each vocal part is crucial to the success of the
overall sound. Students can’t be tardy or skip practice, because one or two
missing members will affect the overall performance of the group. All the
voices blend together to make the one voice, and this cannot be achieved
unless all members are present.
Singing for an hour a day throughout the school year is a pretty big time
commitment, and what a great way for kids to learn that consistency and
commitment pay off. At my daughter’s school, a cappella is a class that
meets in the extra period before the regular school day starts. By coming
to school early, members can still participate in after-school activities
or sports. This makes for a long school day, but high school students have
copious amounts of energy, usually much more than their parents.
Any opportunity for the group to learn or perform helps them prepare for competition. Having deadlines facilitates skill building.
High school a cappella students must make time in their schedules for
workshops, retreats, performing and competing. Groups can sing for their school,
their district, community organizations, retirement homes, fundraisers,
regional competitions and national competitions. Local gigs can be donated
for a good cause or the group can be paid to fund future learning and
travel.
A cappella is just as popular in college as it is in high school. More
opportunities to participate may be available in college thanks to the
popularity of student-governed club activities. When is it too late to
start singing a cappella? Probably never, but skilled singers enjoy
performing with other skilled singers and are not likely to offer free
training to the inexperienced. So if you have an aspiring a cappella singer
practicing vocal runs in the shower while imagining a performance that
brings the audience to their feet, encourage them to commit to several hours
a week of musical and vocal practice. This is the best way to fend off
disappointment on the fateful day of high school a cappella auditions,
where spaces in the group are usually coveted and competitive. Students
with an eye on vocalizing in the future, whether via singing, performing,
teaching, politics or public speaking, can definitely benefit from regular
vocal cord workouts doing a cappella, choir or musical theater. Students
can pick and choose. They don’t have to do all three to reap immediate and
long-term benefits.
In a world with a 24-hour news cycle continually brimming with strife, it’s
easy to understand why teens enjoy being a part of a group that revolves
around creating harmony with their voices. Last year, my daughter’s group
won their regional competition and performed in nationals at Lincoln Center
in New York City with high school groups from all over the country. Sure,
it was a thrill for everyone involved, but I suspect that in the years to
come she will treasure her memories of her group’s camaraderie, mutual
respect and musical growth more than anything else.
A cappella Skills Students Can Cultivate
- Vocal projection
- Vocal range
- Breath work
- Reading music
- Holding notes
- Harmonizing
- Surrendering ego
- Being present
- Memorizing vocal parts and choreography
- Valuing contributions of self and others
- Respecting the process and the director
A cappella Bonus Points For
- Playing an instrument
- Choir experience
- Performance experience
- Dance experience
- A good ear
- Perfect pitch
- Understanding music theory
- Broad musical tastes
- Arranging music
Don’t Overlook
- Tact
- Humility
- Cooperativeness
- Solid academic track record
- Positive character
- Demonstrated self-esteem
- Good work ethic
- Leadership skills
Originally published: 01-01-20
Updated: 09-29-22
